3 Year Old with Flat Feet?

I was born with a foot deformity that isn't really seen or caught until the age where lots of walking, running and jumping start becoming a daily activity. My ligaments were so loose on my ankle bones (tarsals) that it allowed my arch to completely fall and never form. It causes severe pain around the age of 8-9 years old, so that I could no longer interact in any kind of sports or walk long distances. I went to an orthopedic specialist, and they counseled surgery, but after my growth spurt.

YEARS LATER - they realized the surgery had to be done very early in life... I didn't get mine until I was 20 years old, by then it was too late for me. My bones, muscles and tendons/ligaments grew differently to compensate for the lack of arches and when the surgery made arches for me, my pain was extremely increased.

My daughter was born with the SAME ISSUE as myself. She had corrective/reconstructive surgery at 4 years old and is doing so much better! I wish the Dr.s knew back then what they know now.

My daughter is 9 and has flexible flat feet. Lay her on her tummy and pull her feet up bent at the knee, if she has an arch when she's like this then they are flexible flat. If they are flexible flat then you can have her pick up small things with her toes and put them in a cup or bowl , that will strenghten her arches. Toe walking will not.

My son has Pronation in both feet which causes him to have no arch. Pronation is where the ankles roll inwards when you are standing and it kinda looks like you are standing on the insides of your feet since there is no arch. He sees a foot Dr and a orthopedic Dr as well who has made little braces for his feet that hold his ankles straight when he is standing. But unfortuantly we just moved and he out grew his last set so I got him to inserts from Arch Angels for $20. They seem to help his ankles look better when he is standing and he says they are comfy. (Remember to take the insoles of her shoes out if you use these!) I also have to do exercises with his feet once a day to help loosen the Achilles tendon which can pull too tight and cause the loss of arch. Walking on tip toes will only stretch the arch and not the whole tendon.

My son has never had a problem running, jumping or playing with or without his braces or arch supports. He does seem to get getting a slight arch in his feet now and he has been going through treatment for 2yrs now. Also per his food Dr, he is to wear strong bottomed shoes (stride rite or name brand). No flip flops, crocs and a lot of cheap sneakers from walmart are out too because they are too flimsy.

Defiantly take it up with her Ped and don't take anything less than a referral to a food Dr for an answer!! These are her feet and have to carry her around for many years to come!! It's easier to correct problems now than when she is an adult.

Good luck!
S.

As a child, I had flat feet and I remember having to do my "marble exercises". My Grandma would put a bunch of marbles on the carpet and I would pick them up with my toes, carry them a few steps, and drop them in a bowl. I was only about 3 or 4, but I remember doing this at least twice a day. My Grandma was great about turning it into a game and I loved doing it. It must have worked because my feet are fine now. (Perfect and beautiful if you ask my husband!) It's worth a try, hope it helps. Good luck.

I have always had flat feet. Walking on toes won't do anything other than make large calf muscles. If you try and create an arch, it can make for bad back aches. I took dance classes from age 3 until I was 14. My knees suffered for it. My advice would be working on strengthening her knees not her calf muscles.

What my pedi told me when I was a teen was... Because my feet are flat, my tibia and fibula try to straighten out to parallel instead of being intertwined like they're supposed to be, pulling the muscle away from the kneecap causing knee pain and loss of cartilidge.

I'd tried inserts in my shoes to improve my arch and my back hurt so bad that I had trouble even walking... Just letting you know from someone that's been there and done that.

Good luck.